The 2025 season was not the year German track and field athlete Alica Schmidt envisioned, “but it was definitely the one” she needed.
Reflecting on the past season of competitions, Schmidt — who has been dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete” over the years — spoke about the hurdles she encountered, including a bout with COVID-19 in the lead up to this past weekend’s German Championships.
“This season really put me to the test this year. Tough races, lots of lessons, and a whole lot of growth. It wasn’t the season I was hoping for, but it was definitely the one I needed,” Schmidt began on Instagram.
“Unfortunately I caught Covid a few days before Nationals, so I wasn’t able to show up at my best, definitely frustrating.”
Schmidt, who competed in Saturday’s 800-meter event but failed to qualify for the final, then touched upon the greatest lessons learned as she enters the latter half of the year.
“This year is about committing, learning, challenging and accepting,” she penned. “Everything I need to learn on how to tackle the 800m.”
Schmidt finished first in an 800-meter heat during the German Indoor Championships in February but placed fourth in the final.
She also placed first as part of the SCC Berlin squad in a second final heat of the women’s 4×200-meter relay short track at the German Indoor Championships.
Looking ahead to 2026, Schmidt added how she’s “hoping to get my body 100% healthy again and squeeze in a few more races before shifting focus to 2026.”
“Still completely in love with the process,” she concluded the post.
A social media juggernaut with 5.5 million Instagram followers, Schmidt’s online reach has grown mightily in recent years, particularly during her 2024 Olympics run in Paris.
Schmidt found herself at the center of headlines last August when a teammate seemingly shaded her over a rocky performance. She also failed to medal at the Games.
Despite the drama, Schmidt walked away from Paris with her head held high.
“The Olympics are not just about winning medals. It‘s about being alongside inspiring athletes while competing at the highest level. Showing ambition, celebrating diversity and people no matter who they are and where they are from,” she said on social media.
“The past weeks were an emotional rollercoaster and I was able to learn a lot. As an athlete I am still not where I want to be and maybe I will never be. But the one thing that is for sure: I will never stop trying and figuring out ways to improve. I love taking you guys with me on this journey and hope to inspire young athletes and show how amazing this sport can be!”